 |
|
|
|
address:
5327 Commercial Way
Park Place
D-119
Spring Hill
Florida 34606
|
|
|
|
 |
why examine your breast?
Monthly exams help you get to know your breasts. This makes it
easier to find breast changes. It also gives you a head start against potential
problems. If you notice any breast changes, see your healthcare provider right
away. It's the only way to confirm the health of your breasts.
breast changes
Most breast changes are not caused by cancer. However, some changes
can signal other problems, such as:
- Fibrocystic changes (harmless but sometimes painful cysts)
- Infection (especially during breastfeeding)
- Noncancerous lumps
how to examine your breasts
Check your breasts about a week after your period starts. If you
don't have periods, check your breasts on the same day each month. Contact
your healthcare provider if you notice changes such as lumps or dimples.
Be sure to mention any family history of breast cancer.
feel for changes
Lie down with a pillow under one shoulder. Raise the arm on the
pillow over your head. Then, follow these steps:
use a pattern
- As you check your breast, use a pattern of strips and spirals
that overlap a bit.
- Check from your collarbone to your bra line. Be sure to include
your armpit and the area next to your breastbone.
- Move your fingers in dime-sized circles.
- Don't lift your fingers off the breast.
feel for changes
Use the soft pads of your fingers, not the tips. Begin with light pressure.
Repeat using medium pressure, then very firm pressure.
look for changes
Some changes can be seen but not felt. To look for changes, stand
in front of a mirror and follow these simple steps:
arms at sides
Stand with your arms at your sides. Look for changes in the color
or texture of your skin and nipple. Clasp your hands behind your neck
and look again.
hands at hips
Press your hands on your hips to flex your chest muscles. Look
for new dimples, puckers or any other changes. Check again, leaning forward from the hips and turning side to side.
look for discharge
Nipple discharge that is dark or bloody,
or that happens without squeezing your nipple, should be checked by
your healthcare provider. Clear or milky discharge can be normal.
what's true? what's myth?
Many women don't check their breasts. If you are one of them, make
sure you know the truth from the myth. The more you learn, the more likely you'll be to
do this simple breast exam.
"I'm too young for breast cancer"
You can get breast cancer at any age - even as young as 20. But
your risk does increase after menopause. This is true whether or not you take hormones.
"but my doctor checks my breasts"
Your healthcare provider will never know your breasts as well as
you do. Check your breasts monthly to learn what's normal for you.
"I'm afraid of what I might find"
Breast changes are not usually a sign of cancer. But whatever the
cause, finding a problem early increases the chance that treatment will go well.
clinical exams and mammograms, too
A complete breast health program also
includes regular clinical breast exams and mamograms. The guidelines
below are from the American Cancer Society. If you're at higher risk
for breast cancer, you may need clinical exams and mammograms earlier
and more often. Talk to your healthcare provider.
clinical breast exams
A clinical breast exam is performed by a trained healthcare provider.
Starting at age 20, you should have a clinical breast exam every
1 to 3 years. After age 40, have a clinical breast exam each year.
mammograms
A mammogram can show changes too small to feel. Have your first
mammogram by age 40. After that, have a mammogram every year.
|
|
|
|
